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Tag: Kwara State

  • Fear Grows as Abductors Threaten to Marry Off Emir’s Wives in Kwara

    Fresh anxiety has spread across Yashikira community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State after abductors reportedly threatened to marry off some wives of the Emir of Yashikira and other female captives if ransom negotiations fail.

    The threat comes days after armed attackers invaded the community, abducting several residents during coordinated assaults on the Emir’s palace and a police station.

    Abductors Demand ₦150 Million Ransom

    Security sources familiar with ongoing rescue efforts said the kidnappers are demanding about ₦150 million for the release of the victims.

    According to the sources, the abductors are seeking an estimated ₦15 million for each captive and have become increasingly frustrated over delays in payment.

    One source involved in the rescue process said the threat was communicated through contacts linked to negotiations.

    “The terrorists have threatened that if the ransom is not paid, they will marry off the Emir’s wives and other female victims to their commanders,” the source said.

    Community and Security Teams Concerned

    The source added that information about the threat had been shared with local vigilante groups and security personnel participating in intelligence-gathering efforts.

    “Everyone is worried because the abductors appear to be increasing pressure on the families and the community,” the source said.

    The development has heightened fears among residents as efforts continue to secure the release of those still in captivity.

    Attack Left Community in Shock

    The abductions followed a coordinated attack on Yashikira community in the early hours of May 24, 2026.

    Gunmen reportedly targeted both the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the palace of the Emir before abducting several residents.

    A police officer who survived the attack said the assailants overpowered security operatives with superior firepower.

    “The terrorists attacked the police station with the intention to kill all of us. They had more sophisticated weapons than us and they overpowered us before invading the Emir’s palace,” the officer said.

    He added that many officers on duty were armed mainly with pistols, while the attackers carried AK-47 rifles and arrived on motorcycles.

    Rescue Efforts Continue

    Security agencies and local vigilante groups are continuing efforts to secure the release of the victims and track down those responsible for the attack.

    The incident has added to growing concerns about insecurity in parts of Kwara State and neighbouring communities.

  • Terrorists Attack Kwara Community, Many Feared Dead As Residents Flee

    Many residents have reportedly been feared dead while several others were abducted after suspected terrorists launched a fresh attack in parts of Kwara State.

    The attack reportedly occurred on Saturday night in the Ikerin/Ajuba axis of Ekiti Local Government Area, throwing residents into panic.

    Residents Flee As Gunmen Invade Community

    According to local sources, the attackers stormed the communities heavily armed and operated for hours without immediate resistance.

    Sources told journalists that several residents were injured during the invasion, while many others were allegedly kidnapped.

    “Yes, it is true but the exact numbers of the people kidnapped, injured and killed have yet to be confirmed,” a source reportedly said.

    Another resident described the incident as chaotic, saying villagers woke up to heavy gunfire and screaming.

    “The shooting was heavy. Everybody ran. We don’t even know who is alive or missing now,” the source added.

    Fear Grows Across Kwara South

    The latest attack has intensified fear across communities in Kwara South, where residents have repeatedly complained about rising insecurity and frequent raids by armed groups.

    Many locals say farming activities and movement across villages have become increasingly dangerous due to kidnappings and violent attacks.

    The development has also renewed concerns over the growing spread of terrorist and bandit activities into parts of the North-Central region.

    Residents Demand Urgent Security Intervention

    Following the attack, residents and community leaders reportedly called on security agencies and the government to urgently strengthen security presence in the area.

    As of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to officially confirm the casualty figures or issue a detailed statement regarding the incident.

  • APC Halts Kwara Governorship Primary Amid Tension Over AbdulRazaq’s Preferred Successor

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has abruptly postponed its governorship primary election after the exercise had already commenced across parts of the state.

    The postponement was announced on Thursday by the state publicity secretary of the party, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Babatunde.

    Party members and supporters had earlier trooped out in large numbers for the exercise before the sudden suspension was announced.

    APC Announces Fresh Date

    In a statement issued by the party, the APC said the governorship primary earlier scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, would now hold on Friday, May 22, 2026.

    “The APC Governorship Primary earlier scheduled to hold today, Thursday, 21st May 2026, has been postponed,” the statement read.

    “The new date for the Governorship Primary is now Friday, 22nd May 2026.”

    The party advised aspirants and members to take note of the development.

    Tension Over AbdulRazaq’s Endorsement

    The postponement comes days after Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, publicly endorsed Ambassador Yahaya Seriki from Kwara Central as his preferred successor.

    Although the governor stated that other aspirants were free to contest the primary, the endorsement reportedly created tension within the party.

    Sources quoted by LEADERSHIP alleged that some aggrieved aspirants influenced the decision to halt the exercise after voting had already started.

    Seriki Allegedly Leading Before Suspension

    According to findings, Yahaya Seriki was reportedly leading in several voting centres before the primary was disrupted.

    There were also indications that some aspirants from Kwara South were considering forming alliances to challenge Seriki’s emergence.

    The development has since triggered political reactions within the state as party stakeholders await further directives ahead of the rescheduled exercise.

  • Kwara Residents Risk Death Crossing Collapsed Moro Bridge After Floods

    Residents and commuters in Kwara State are risking their lives daily by crossing the collapsed Moro Bridge on the Ilorin-Igbeti Federal Highway following severe flooding caused by the overflowing Moro River.

    The collapsed bridge, located in Moro area of the state, has left thousands stranded and disrupted movement between Ilorin, parts of Oyo State, and northern communities in Kwara including Kaiama and Baruten.

    Flooding Worsens Situation

    Heavy rainfall on May 18 reportedly caused the Moro River to overflow, submerging vehicles and worsening conditions around the damaged bridge.

    Eyewitness videos circulating online showed stranded passengers climbing onto vehicle roofs while others trekked through floodwaters carrying loads on their heads in desperate attempts to cross.

    Some commuters were also seen balancing dangerously on the remains of the collapsed Bailey bridge despite safety concerns.

    Bridge Collapsed Weeks Ago

    The colonial-era Moro Bailey Bridge reportedly collapsed around 5 a.m. on April 30 after a heavy-duty truck passed over the aging structure.

    Several commuters were injured during the incident and taken to hospitals in Ilorin for treatment.

    The bridge serves as a major transport route linking communities in Kwara and Oyo states, making its collapse a major setback for residents, traders, farmers, and transporters.

    Farmers, Traders Lament Hardship

    Residents said the situation has severely affected economic activities, especially the movement of farm produce from rural communities to markets.

    Farmers and traders lamented rising transportation costs, delayed movement of goods, and possible spoilage of perishable food items.

    Many commuters also complained that they now spend longer hours navigating alternative routes or trekking through dangerous paths to reach their destinations.

    Government Responds

    The Kwara State Government earlier announced traffic diversions and deployed engineers to carry out palliative repairs on alternative routes.

    According to the Ministry of Works, engineers were mobilised shortly after the collapse to ease traffic congestion while work continues on a permanent replacement bridge.

    The government also dismissed reports claiming huge sums were spent on emergency interventions, insisting that only ₦27 million was used for palliative works on the federal bridge.

    Residents Demand Urgent Action

    Despite the government’s intervention, residents and community leaders said repairs have been too slow, forcing people to continue risking their lives daily.

    They called on both the federal and state governments to urgently provide temporary solutions and accelerate the completion of the new bridge before more lives are lost.

    The incident has again raised concerns over the poor condition of aging infrastructure across several parts of Nigeria, especially major transport corridors linking farming communities.

  • DSS Raises Alarm Over Plot to Kidnap Farmers in Kwara Communities

    The Department of State Services has warned of a fresh security threat in Kwara State, alerting authorities to an alleged plan by armed bandits to intensify the kidnapping of farmers in parts of the state.

    The alert, reportedly sent to the Commissioner of Police in Ilorin, identified farming settlements around Lema, Ndeji and Gbugbu communities in Edu Local Government Area as potential targets.

    Emerging threat in farm settlements

    According to the DSS, intelligence suggests that bandit groups linked to identified leaders are planning coordinated attacks aimed at disrupting farming activities.

    The agency noted that the move is likely a response to ongoing military operations that have weakened criminal networks in the area.

    “Intelligence indicate plans… to intensify kidnapping of farmers… This development would cause the farmers to abdicate activities,” the alert stated.

    Security advice issued

    The DSS urged security agencies to extend operations to vulnerable communities to prevent attacks and protect residents.

    It stressed the need for proactive deployment to forestall what it described as a looming threat to public safety.

    Rising insecurity in Kwara

    The warning comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara, especially in the northern axis.

    Communities in Kaiama and Baruten have witnessed repeated attacks, killings and displacement of residents in recent months.

    Observers say the targeting of farmers could further worsen food production challenges if not quickly contained.

  • Reps Dump LP, APC, PDP for ADC as Defections Rock National Assembly

    At least three members of the House of Representatives have defected to the African Democratic Congress, in a fresh wave of political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The lawmakers, Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), Usman Zubairu (Birnin Gwari/Giwa, Kaduna), and Sani Noma (Argungu/Augie, Kebbi)  announced their defection during plenary on Tuesday, cutting across the Labour Party, All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party.

    Fresh wave of defections

    Their move signals a growing shift toward the ADC, as politicians continue to reposition across party lines.

    At the same time, Abubakar Buba (Chanchaga, Niger) and Ibrahim Mohammed (Bunza/Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo, Kebbi) defected from the PDP to the APC, boosting the ruling party’s numbers.

    In Osun, Mudashiru Alani (Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa) and Adetunji Olusoji (Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe) also dumped the PDP for the Accord Party.

    Meanwhile, David Fuoh (Sarduana/Kurmi/Gashaka, Taraba) moved in the opposite direction, leaving the APC for the PDP.

    Why lawmakers are switching

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who read the defection notices on the floor, said the lawmakers cited internal crises in their former parties as the main reason for their decisions.

    The justification reflects a familiar trend in Nigeria’s political space, where party instability often drives defections.

    2027 politics taking shape

    The latest movements highlight increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Observers say the shifting alliances raise concerns about party discipline and ideological consistency, as lawmakers continue to switch platforms in search of political advantage.

  • Terrorists Kill Soldiers, Seize Army Gun Truck in Kwara After Hours-Long Gun Battle

    Terrorists have reportedly killed security operatives and carted away an army gun truck after a fierce gun battle with soldiers in Kemanji community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, in the early hours of Monday.

    The clash, which lasted nearly two hours from about 3am to 5am, comes amid fresh attacks in Plateau and Benue states where at least 11 persons were also reported killed.

    What happened

    Sources said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers and launched a direct assault on a security formation comprising soldiers, forest guards, and vigilantes.

    A former council chairman disclosed that three soldiers and two vigilantes were killed during the encounter, while several others sustained injuries.

    “They came around 3am and attacked the security post… they also took motorcycles, guns, ammunition, and even the army gun truck,” the source said.

    Weapons carted away

    Residents confirmed that the attackers overwhelmed the troops before fleeing with military equipment, including about 12 motorcycles, arms, and ammunition.

    Another source said the attackers also evacuated their injured members, raising concerns about possible local collaboration.

    Military response

    Security operatives were said to have launched a pursuit operation into nearby forests, believed to be the attackers’ hideout.

    Some injured personnel have been taken to Kaiama General Hospital, while severe cases were referred to Ilorin for further treatment.

    No civilian casualties

    Community sources and the village head, Alhaji Sanni Zikki, confirmed that residents were not attacked during the incident.

    “The terrorists came from Kainji National Park and attacked our security men. We lost three soldiers… but there was no casualty among residents,” he said.

    Wider attacks

    The Kwara incident occurred alongside separate attacks in Plateau and Benue communities, where no fewer than 11 persons were reportedly killed and several others injured.

    Efforts to get official confirmation from police authorities were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

  • Bandits Abduct Kwara Monarch, Wife In Midnight Palace Attack

    Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, his wife, and another individual after attacking a palace in Olayinka community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State in the early hours of Saturday.

    The gunmen reportedly stormed the palace around 1:40am, firing sporadically before whisking the monarch away to an unknown destination, in what residents described as a terrifying overnight raid.

    How the attack happened

    Sources said the attackers arrived heavily armed and met little resistance as panic spread across the palace.

    “They came around 1:40am and started shooting. Everyone was scared. They took the monarch, his wife, and another person,” a source disclosed.

    The abducted monarch was said to have been recently installed by the state government, making the incident even more shocking within the community.

    Rising concern in Kwara South

    The latest abduction marks the third case involving a traditional ruler in Kwara South within a year, raising fresh concerns about security in the area.

    In 2025, two monarchs in the region were kidnapped by suspected bandits and later released after ransom payments were reportedly made.

    Residents say the repeated attacks have heightened fear, with calls growing for stronger security presence across affected communities.

  • Bandits Kill, Kidnap Several in Coordinated Attacks Across Kwara Communities

    Suspected bandits have killed several residents and abducted others in coordinated late-night attacks on three rural communities in Isin and Ifelodun local government areas of Kwara State, deepening security concerns in the region.

    How the attacks unfolded

    The attacks occurred on Wednesday night, targeting Iwo Odo-Ore in Isin LGA, as well as Gaa-Idera and Gaa Dembo-Agunjin in Ifelodun LGA.

    Residents said the gunmen stormed the communities simultaneously, shooting sporadically and abducting victims during the raids.

    In Gaa-Odera, at least two people were shot while two others were kidnapped.

    Heavy abductions reported

    The violence was more intense in Iwo Odo-Ore, where at least five residents were abducted, including a prominent figure, Alhaji Yusuf Yunusa, alongside four Hausa residents.

    Sources described Yusuf as a well-known politician in the area and a school proprietor with interests in both Kwara and Lagos.

    He was reportedly preparing for a family Islamic ceremony before the attack.

    Wedding disrupted in Ifelodun

    In Ifelodun LGA, bandits abducted six people in Gaa Dembo-Agunjin and two others in Gaa-Idera.

    The victims reportedly included family members linked to a wedding scheduled for Thursday.

    “They kidnapped the bride’s mother and one other person,” a source said, adding that cattle were also rustled during the attack.

    Casualties and injuries

    Residents said the attackers opened fire during the عملیات, leaving at least two people injured.

    “One person was hit in the hand by a bullet,” a source confirmed.

    The number of those killed has not been officially verified, but multiple sources insist casualties were recorded.

    Authorities yet to respond

    As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have not issued an official statement on the attacks.

    The incident adds to growing concerns over rising banditry and insecurity in parts of Kwara State and neighbouring regions.